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Marion County Growth Services building exterior with department names listed on facade.

2 weeks ago in

Marion County Planning and Zoning Recommends Approval for 151-Single-Family Dwelling Development

The Marion County Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of a 151 single-family dwelling development at their meeting Aug. 25, 2025.

A professional woman in a black blazer works at a laptop in a bright office, with an open notebook and calculator on the desk, focused on her financial documents.

2 weeks ago in , Business Lending Expert

Character, Capacity and Capital in Business Lending

Business owners can improve their chances of securing financing by understanding how banks evaluate Character, Capacity, and Capital, preparing thorough financial records, and building strong relationships with lenders, says Cogent Bank President Nick Blaser.

Large group photo of the Ocala Roller Derby Pirates and Mermaids.

2 weeks ago in

Mermaids vs. Pirates: Ocala Roller Derby Brings Nautical Fun and Fierce Competition to Downtown 

The Ocala Downtown Market was transformed into a high-energy, pirate-and-mermaid-themed roller derby arena on Aug. 24 as fans cheered, costumes dazzled, and Ocala Roller Derby’s “Mermaids vs. Pirates” scrimmage delivered both thrilling athletic action and community spirit.

2 weeks ago in Lifestyle

Nonalcoholic beer and mocktails can help people stay sober or drink less, but are not for everyone

Several years into her sobriety, Logan Denzer decided to try nonalcoholic beer and mocktails while others around her drank real booze. "A lot of people feel out of place" when everyone else is imbibing, said the 27-year-old from Los Angeles, who considers these beverages "an excellent solution."

2 weeks ago in National

Closure of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration detention center can proceed, judge says

A federal judge in Miami has refused to pause her order requiring the winding down of the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz" while the federal government appeals her ruling.

2 weeks ago in Entertainment

For Yorgos Lanthimos, new Emma Stone film ‘Bugonia’ isn’t a dystopia. It’s real

"Bugonia" is having its world premiere Thursday evening at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it's in competition for the top prize, the Golden Lion. Focus Features is releasing the film in North American theaters on Oct. 24.

A colorful, retro-style poster with swirling orange, yellow, green, and teal patterns featuring a yellow submarine. The text reads: “Ira Holmes International Film Series, When I’m 64, Anniversary Celebration Season.”

2 weeks ago in

Strawberry Fields of Film: CF Ira Holmes International Film Series Launches ‘When I’m 64’ Season

The CF Ira Holmes International Film Series launches its 64th season with a Beatles-inspired “When I’m 64” lineup of films, talks and special events.

Exterior view of the Paddock Market building in Ocala, Florida, featuring a modern dark wood facade. In front of the entrance are two decorative metallic horse statues rearing up, positioned between two artificial white blossom trees. The sidewalk and street are visible in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

2 weeks ago in

Top Six Places Coming to Ocala in 2025

From sweet treats to sizzling hibachi, Ocala is set to welcome six exciting new spots in 2025 that promise to satisfy cravings and elevate local shopping and dining experiences.

A picture of a circle with letters and an insignia with images and lettering, with flags to the left and right.

2 weeks ago in

Marion County Chair Kathy Bryant’s State of the County Address Places and Emphasis on Progress with Purpose

Progress with Purpose, Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathy Bryant delivered the State of the County address at Belleview on the Rise on Aug. 26, 2025.

A sidearm on a white piece of cloth, with orange pill containers, plastic baggies, magazines to the sidearm, on top of a blue bag, and gray car seat.

2 weeks ago in

Driver Asleep in Minivan Leads to Multiple Felony Arrest by Ocala Police Department

A man sleeping in a minivan at a convenience store, was carrying various narcotics, a stolen gun and more than $3,000 in cash. He was arrested by the Ocala Police Department and has been charged with 10 felonies.

2 weeks ago in National, Trending

A shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school kills 2 children, injures 17 people

A shooter opened fire Wednesday morning during Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school, killing two children and injuring 17 other people before killing himself, officials said.

2 weeks ago in World

Tons of overripe tomatoes become projectiles in Spain’s ‘Tomatina’ food fight

Thousands of people from around the world seeking a uniquely messy thrill spent one wild hour flinging bushels of overripe tomatoes at each other during Spain's "Tomatina" celebration Wednesday.

2 weeks ago in Lifestyle

At some colleges, move-in day includes students’ dogs and cats

Crossing paths with dogs, cats and other animals is part of campus life for students at Eckerd College, a liberal arts school in Florida that allows pets to live in dormitories.

2 weeks ago in Sports

Wimbledon champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek get off to good starts at the US Open

Iga Swiatek is trying to do something no woman has done since Serena Williams in 2012: win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon in the same season. Jannik Sinner is trying to do something no man has done since Roger Federer in 2008: repeat as U.S. Open champion.

2 weeks ago in Entertainment

James Cameron on two decades of making ‘Avatar’ and the future he sees for movies

James Cameron first began developing "Avatar" more than 30 years ago. He started working on the first film in earnest 20 years ago. Production on the third film, "Fire and Ash," which ran concurrently with 2022's "The Way of Water," got underway eight years ago.

Four men sitting behind a wood dais, with carpeting in the foreground, three flags on each side of a large insignia with an image and lettering in the background.

2 weeks ago in

Florida Department of Transportation gives update on Pine Avenue and SR 40 Intersection Project at Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization meeting

The Florida Department of Transportation provided an update on the Pine Avenue and SR 40 project during the Ocala/Marion County Transportation and Planning Organization meeting.

A group of well-dressed people standing behind a ribbon with a man in a doctor's smock with a large pair of scissors, with balloons in the background and lights overhead.

2 weeks ago in

Ribbon Cutting Marks Expansion Milestone for HCA Florida West Marion Hospital with State-of-the-Art Patient tower

HCA Florida West Marion Hosptial held a ribbon cutting Aug. 26, 2025, for its new state-of-the-art patient tower.

MCPS sign with motivational message on grassy roadside in Ocala under partly cloudy skies.

2 weeks ago in

Celebrating 33 Years of Service: Chief Financial Officer Boston-Ellis Retires from Marion County Public Schools

Theresa Boston-Ellis Marion County Public Schools chief financial officer is retiring from the school district after 33 years on Aug. 29, 2025.

Well-dressed people holding a giant check, with balloons festooned over an entrance way.

2 weeks ago in

HCA Healthcare Foundation present’s a $25,000 Check to the United Way of Marion County

HCA Healthcare Foundation's Healthier Tomorrow Fund presented the United Way of Marion County with a check for $25,000 at the HCA Florida West Marion Hospital on Aug. 26, 2025. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

2 weeks ago in Entertainment, Trending

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged

It's a love story and, baby, she said yes: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged, they announced Tuesday. In a five-photo joint post on Instagram, the superstar singer and football player revealed their engagement, the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world, but especially Swifties, the pop star's enormous and ardent fan base.

News

27 minutes ago in National

Court rules Lisa Cook can remain a Fed governor while fighting Trump’s attempt to fire her

Fresh

A federal court has ruled that embattled Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook can remain in her position while she fights President Donald Trump's efforts to fire her.

29 minutes ago in Sports

Aaron Judge hits 359th career homer, passing Hall of Famer Yogi Berra for 5th in Yankees history

Fresh

Yankees captain Aaron Judge hit his 359th career home run in the first inning Tuesday night against the Detroit Tigers, breaking a tie with Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra for fifth place on the franchise list.

42 minutes ago in Entertainment

Dick Van Dyke turns 100 in December. Fans can celebrate at the movies

Fresh

Movie theaters across the country are pulling out the stops for Dick Van Dyke's 100th birthday in December. A new documentary about the song and dance man's life, "Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration," will be in theaters over his birthday weekend on Dec. 13 and 14, Fathom Entertainment said Wednesday.

17 hours ago in Sports

Eagles’ Jalen Carter avoids suspension, is fined $57,222 for spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Jalen Carter was fined $57,222 by the NFL but avoided another suspension after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott seconds into the league's season opener Thursday night.

17 hours ago in National

Kiko weakens into a tropical storm but brings dangerous surf to Hawaii

Tropical Storm Kiko was creating high surf and rip currents for parts of Hawaii even as the system weakened just to the north of the islands, forecasters said.

17 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Apple has unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup, including the first iPhone Air. Here’s what’s new

Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is here. The tech giant on Tuesday unveiled four new models that mark the latest editions to its marquee product.

1 day ago in National

Hegseth and Caine visit Puerto Rico as US steps up military operations in the Caribbean

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday for an unexpected visit as the U.S. steps up its military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean.